As George faces opposition for a new railway plan, Bertha prepares for the Duke's return and Ada finds purpose in the temperance movement.
Bertha aims to dictate Gladys' entire life. That's been true since the very beginning. It culminated in Bertha promising her daughter to the Duke to secure his presence at the opening of the Met. Her children were completely in the dark. George promised he would fight for his daughter. She was set on marrying for love. She believes she has found that with Billy Carlton. However, George is traveling west. The season opens in Arizona as George seeks to expand his railroad empire. He has a vision. He's not content with the vast fortune he has already built. He always strives for more. He has provided a tremendous life for his family. That opens new opportunities for each of them. Bertha refuses to waste it. She has already made her imprint on society. She looms over this world. She expects Gladys to have the same ambitions. It would be a disappointment if she didn't shape culture as well. The two have differing views on marriage. All of this was going to come to a head at some point. And now, the season premiere ends with Gladys running away from home. She exerts her own independence. That path will likely come with unexpected consequences.
Larry promised to advocate for his sister as well. He's comfortable being used as part of the ruse so Gladys can see Billy. He also uses it to spend time with Marian. Their relationship has gotten serious as well. Everyone expects them to get engaged soon. Marian delays the announcement because she can't invite scandal onto her family. She has already had two failed relationships. She was foolish in the first. She didn't have love in the second. Things could finally be just right for her. The timing isn't. It's largely an open secret though. Gladys and Peggy are aware of what's happening. Ada even views Larry as someone who can inspire Oscar to work. That's not who Oscar is. He's a failed businessman. Larry's success is largely attributed to his family. He works closely with Jack on his new clock. That road is full of turmoil too. Larry doesn't want the inventor to attend the business meetings. Yet Jack is also stepping up in society in a way that alienates the servants working for the Russells. He needs to take ahold of this opportunity. It's just so different than what he has come to expect in this world.
Everyone pursues what they hope will provide them with purpose. Ada feels passionate about the temperance movement. She invites the organization over to her home for their latest meeting. It's insufferable for Agnes, Marian, Oscar and Aurora. They think it's foolish to try to remove alcohol from society. It's the only way Oscar is coping with life at the moment. He's drowning his sorrows. Meanwhile, Agnes continues to exert her dominance throughout the household. Ada now operates the fortune. Their dynamics have shifted. Ada is more free to speak her mind. She seeks to honor Luke's memory. He gave himself to others. That's what she wants to use his money for. The family is still rather oblivious. They refused to adjust to the changing society. Marian is open to that world. Agnes stands rigidly opposed. They are bonded in their shared love and appreciation for Peggy. Even then, they take too long to notify her parents that she has been inflicted with a cold for days.
Ada and Agnes are stunned by the doctor refusing to treat Peggy due to her race. They often don't experience racism. It's outrageous when it occurs right in front of them. They were accepting. They forced others to change their hearts as well. It's not common to them any more. That makes it stunning when they realize it's still prevalent. That stands in contrast with them holding to their convictions scorning a divorced woman in this society. Aurora is stunned when Charles confesses he has fallen in love with another woman. He plans on marrying her. As such, he needs his wife to divorce him. He has no legal authority to end their marriage. He expects Aurora to go along with this scheme. He's guilty of adultery. It should be easy. Yet Aurora's entire world changes in a moment. She was worried about Charles. And now, he admits that he no longer loves her. He aims to dictate what comes next for her. She should settle into a lonely existence in Newport. Marian will still proudly support her. Agnes announces that it will be too painful for Aurora to gather amongst their celebrations. And just like that, she is already being cast aside despite her honor and devotion to the family. That's how cruel this world can be even amongst those high up who feel protected.
